RIYADH: The president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission (HRC), Dr. Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad, recently received Bangladesh’s envoy to the Kingdom, Dr. Mohammad Javed Patwary, at his office in Riyadh. During the meeting, the pair discussed issues of common interest, especially in the field of human rights. The two sides discussed the measures taken to confront the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the labor market, including Saudi Arabia’s strategy. They also discussed an initiative to improve contractual relationships for expatriate workers in the Kingdom, which will protect workers’ rights, build an attractive labor market and develop work environments. Al-Awwad hailed the depth of relations between the Kingdom and Bangladesh, noting the importance of visits between the two sides to exchange views in a way that enhances partnerships and enables the two countries to reach new horizons of cooperation. Bangladesh has enjoyed strong bilateral relations with the Kingdom since the beginning of diplomatic relations in 1975. Healthy relations between Bangladesh and the Kingdom can be attributed to the fact that the two countries share common views, values and commitments. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made five official visits to the Kingdom between June 2016 and May 2019, creating new layers of bilateral cooperation. The Kingdom is the largest and most attractive destination for Bangladeshi workers, who make significant contributions to the development of both countries. In 2018, remittances from Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh accounted for almost 22 percent of all remittances, which totaled $34 billion. Both countries share perspectives on a wide range of regional and international issues, particularly those concerning the Islamic community. Within the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other international and regional forums, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia’s shared priorities, perspectives, and fraternal relationships have strengthened cooperation.